Rigid container with vacuum channel walls

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a rigid container with vacuum channel walls is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is a tray for use with a vacuum appliance. The tray includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The tray also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The tray further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, with the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The tray also includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.

FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of storage technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to accessories for a vacuum appliance for consumer and industrial applications.

BACKGROUND

Consumer products involving vacuuming and sealing plastic bags have grown in popularity over the years. The basic model available includes a seal wire that seals the length of the bag and a vacuum pump which pumps air out of the bag prior to sealing. This model works well enough to have sold and inspired imitation.

Unfortunately, the model described provides vacuum capability only for plastic bags. Much food and similar material is better stored in jars. Jars with a lid having an aperture or one-way vent of some form may be vacuumed through use of a hose, but cannot be inserted into a slit-shaped opening for this purpose. Moreover, it may be useful to adapt basic jars for use with vacuum applications.

Similarly, some foods may be easily stored in plastic bags with little fuss. However, other foods may be placed on a tray, with the food and the tray stored in a vacuum-sealed bag together. Moreover, storing food with a tray may allow for easier reheating of frozen food. Accordingly, adapting a tray for use with vacuum applications may be useful. In general, it may be useful to integrate the food storage methodology with the container in which the food is stored, potentially increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the method and the packaging.

SUMMARY

A method and apparatus for a rigid container with vacuum channel walls is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The apparatus also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, with the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The apparatus further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall. The channel includes space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the apparatus includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method further includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method also includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. Moreover, the method includes evacuating the plastic bag.

In another alternate embodiment, the invention is a tray for use with a vacuum appliance. The tray includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The tray also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The tray further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, with the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The tray also includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food in a jar. The method includes placing the food in an inner chamber of the jar. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar. In still another alternate embodiment, the invention is a jar for use with a vacuum appliance. The jar includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The jar also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. Additionally, the jar includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the jar includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, with the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere. The jar may further include a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is formed to fit atop the jar. The lid also includes a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.

In still another embodiment, the invention is a method of using food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method further includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. The method also includes evacuating the plastic bag.

The method may further include sealing and freezing the plastic bag. The method may also include unsealing the plastic bag. Moreover, the method may include reheating the food in the tray.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a means for containing food. The apparatus also includes a means for insulating food within the means for containing. The apparatus may further include means for sealing the means for containing. The apparatus may also include means for evacuating the means for containing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in perspective view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment from a side cutaway view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in a perspective view of a tray, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a tray, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment from a side cutaway view of a tray, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a tray as it may be used with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a tray with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a jar with a vacuum appliance.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum appliance as it may be used with an embodiment of a lid.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment in a cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment in a partial cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of FIGS. 1-3 in a first configuration.

FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment in a top view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of FIGS. 1-3 in a first configuration.

FIG. 14 illustrates the embodiment in a partial cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of FIGS. 1-3 in a second configuration.

FIG. 15 illustrates the embodiment in a top view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of FIGS. 1-3 in a second configuration.

FIG. 16 illustrates the embodiment in a partial cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of FIGS. 1-3 in a third configuration.

FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment in a top view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of FIGS. 1-3 in a third configuration.

FIG. 18 illustrates a container with a valve device arranged to evacuate both a chamber and an inside of the container.

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate two possible embodiments of the valve device of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus for a rigid container with vacuum channel walls is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The apparatus also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, with the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The apparatus further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall. The channel includes space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the apparatus includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method further includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method also includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. Moreover, the method includes evacuating the plastic bag.

In another alternate embodiment, the invention is a tray for use with a vacuum appliance. The tray includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The tray also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The tray further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, with the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The tray also includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food in a jar. The method includes placing the food in an inner chamber of the jar. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar. In still another alternate embodiment, the invention is a jar for use with a vacuum appliance. The jar includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The jar also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. Additionally, the jar includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the jar includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, with the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere. The jar may further include a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is formed to fit atop the jar. The lid also includes a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.

In still another embodiment, the invention is a method of using food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method further includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. The method also includes evacuating the plastic bag.

The method may further include sealing and freezing the plastic bag. The method may also include unsealing the plastic bag. Moreover, the method may include reheating the food in the tray.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a means for containing food. The apparatus also includes a means for insulating food within the means for containing. The apparatus may further include means for sealing the means for containing. The apparatus may also include means for evacuating the means for containing.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in perspective view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. Jar 100 has an outer layer 110 and an inner layer 120, between which is a channel or chamber 130. Inner layer 120 may be formed as a single piece along with inner bottom 125, or may be joined to inner bottom 125. Inner layer 120 and outer layer 110 may be joined together at some point, such as at the top of jar 100 as illustrated. Surface 150 of inner layer 120 and surface 140 of outer layer 110 collectively define the bounds of chamber 130. Valve 160 provides access through outer layer 110 to chamber 130. Thus, chamber 130 may be evacuated through valve 160 in a selective manner, allowing for potentially better insulation characteristics for jar 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a jar which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. As illustrated, valve 160 is located on outer layer 110, but valve 160 may be located in other positions, such as at a point where outer layer 110 and inner layer 120 are joined, for example. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment from a side cutaway view of a jar which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. Making a cut along line 3 of FIG. 2 exposes the view of FIG. 3. Chamber 130 is shown to extend throughout jar 100, and valve 160 is better shown to communicate with chamber 130. Note that valve 160 may also be suitable to use in filling chamber 130, with a hot or cold liquid for example. Moreover, note that valve 160 is preferably designed to receive a hose or tube on its external end. Also, note that apparatus 100 has been described and illustrated as a jar, while it may easily be implemented as a cup instead, typically with angled sidewalls rather then vertical sidewalls.

While a jar has potential applications for storage of food where a bag cannot be used, a tray may be used in conjunction with a bag or to complement a bag. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in a perspective view of a tray which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. Tray 400 includes inner bottom 410, inner sidewalls 415, outer layer 420, chamber 430, and valve 460. Valve 460 communicates selectively between chamber 430 and an external atmosphere or pump. Chamber 430 is defined by the inner surface 425 of inner bottom 410 and an inner surface of outer layer 420, such that it may provide for either a vacuum or filled cavity within tray 400. Valve 460 may be used to either evacuate or fill chamber 430. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a tray which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment from a side cutaway view of a tray which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. The cut along line 6 of FIG. 5 exposes the view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a tray as it may be used with a vacuum appliance. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a piece of food (illustrated as a chicken leg) is placed on the inner bottom 410 of tray 400 and a bag 470 is placed over the tray 400 and food contained therein. In one embodiment, the tray 400 may be evacuated through valve 460 to provide insulation between the tray 400 and any external surface underneath. The bag 470 may be evacuated and sealed, thus providing for a sealed, vacuum-packed, food storage container. The locations and shapes of the various components may be varied, such that a round tray or a tray without sidewalls may be used, and such that valve 460 may be located at any convenient location.

Moreover, the food may be heated on the tray 400, such as through use of a microwave oven. Tests have shown that the use of an evacuated tray such as tray 400 enhances heating of the food placed thereon, allowing for quicker or more efficient heating. This is particularly true when the tray sits on legs as the microwaves are believed to become more focused on the tray and thus the product. Moreover, using the tray in the bag potentially provides a more convenient and portable package for food, as a plate or similar item is not necessary when the food is consumed.

As with the tray of FIGS. 4-7, methods of using the tray of FIGS. 1-3 may be useful. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a jar with a vacuum appliance. At block 810, food is placed in the jar. At block 820, the chamber within the jar (such as chamber 130 for example) is evacuated (such as through valve 160 for example). At block 830, the lid of the jar is sealed (such as lid 77 for example). At block 840, the inside of the jar is evacuated (such as through lid 77 for example). At block 850, the jar is frozen, for long term storage. At block 860, the jar is unsealed, allowing access to the food inside and filling the vacuum therein. At block 870, the food is used. Various blocks of this process may be rearranged or left out, such that the chamber within the jar may be evacuated before food is added to the jar, or may not be evacuated at all for example. Similarly, the jar need not be frozen for example.

As with the jar, the tray of FIGS. 4-7 may be used in different ways. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a jar with a vacuum appliance. At block 910, food is placed on a tray, such as tray 400 for example. At block 920, the chamber within the tray is evacuated, such as chamber 430 evacuated through valve 460 for example. At block 930, the tray is placed in a bag, such as bag 970 for example. At block 940, the bag is evacuated. At block 950, the evacuated bag is sealed. At block 960, the sealed and evacuated bag is frozen for long-term storage. At block 970, the bag is unsealed, allowing access to its contents. At block 980, the food is microwaved on the tray. At block 990, the food is then used.

The method of FIG. 9 allows for great flexibility. For example, the blocks of FIG. 9 may be reordered in appropriate ways, such as by evacuating the chamber of the tray at block 920 before placing food on the tray at block 910. Moreover, the tray need never go into the bag, thus leaving blocks 930-970 out of the method in some embodiments. Alternatively, the bag need not be frozen (omitting block 960) or the food need not be microwaved (omitting block 980). Moreover, the chamber of the tray need not be evacuated, as at block 920.

Preferably, the jar of FIGS. 1-3 and the tray of FIGS. 4-7 are used with a vacuum appliance having a hose suitable for use with the valves depicted. FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum appliance which may include a vacuum hose and may be used with a jar or tray such as those described above. In particular, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a vacuum appliance 20. Buttons 66 and 68 respectively are provided on appliance 20 to activate a vacuum pump and a heat sealing wire. Indicators 56 and 57 are provided to indicate when either vacuum or heat sealing is occurring respectively. In such an embodiment, vacuum hose 85 may be used with opening or valve 86 to couple the vacuum pump of appliance 20 to a valve on another device, such as a jar or tray, or a lid for a jar.

FIGS. 10-17 illustrate a lid attachment 77 for a container 78 adapted for connection to a vacuum pump of apparatus 20 for the purpose of selectively evacuating the container. The lid attachment includes an annular lid adapter 79 and an annular elastomeric seal 80 secured thereunder to form a static seal at an upper flange 81 of container 78. The lid attachment further comprises an annular connector 82 having an annular elastomeric seal 83 secured thereunder to engage a radially outer surface of an annular ridge 84 formed on lid adapter 79.

A flexible plastic tube 85 is attached between connector 82 and an opening or connector 86, formed through the top panel of appliance 20 (FIG. 10). Connector 86 may be used to provide a connection or coupling between tube or hose 85 and the vacuum pump of appliance 20.

Referring to FIGS. 11-17, a thumbnut 88 is threaded onto a neck 89, formed centrally on lid adapter 79. As illustrated, an indicia marking in the form of an arrow 90 is formed on the thumb-nut to visually indicate one of three operative positions of the thumb-nut, i.e., “vacuum”, “closed”, or “open” as marked on lid adapter 79. When the thumbnut is rotated to its “vacuum” position illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a user is enabled to use apparatus 20 and press button 66 to draw a vacuum in container 78.

In particular, a plastic disc 91 is “loosely” mounted within thumbnut 88 and forms a valve element that openly communicates the vacuum drawn in tube 85 (FIGS. 10 and 11) with the container. The vacuum is drawn across a transverse slot 92 formed in the upper surface of the disc and through a centrally disposed passage 93, formed through neck 89. The applied vacuum will induce a lifting of disc 91, which overlies passage 93, to aid in evacuation.

A plurality of radially and circumferentially spaced hook-like fingers or retention members 94 are formed integrally with the disc in upstanding relationship thereon to extend through a mounting hole and overlie a flange 95 defined on the thumb-nut for retention purposes. The retention members are sufficiently flexible and resilient to permit a snapping-out of the members from their mounting hole, formed centrally through the thumbnut. In FIG. 13 a flexible detent 96 is formed integrally on a sidewall or skirt of the thumbnut to extend radially inwardly to releasably engage within a groove 97, formed on the outer side of neck 89.

This detent arrangement will releasably retain the thumb nut is in its illustrated “vacuum” position in FIG. 12. A similar detent arrangement is also provided for releasably holding the thumb screw in each of its “closed” (FIGS. 14 and 15) and “open” (FIGS. 16 and 17) positions. Otherwise stated, three circumferentially spaced (120° apart) detents 96 and their associated grooves 97 are formed on the thumbscrew and neck for this purpose. During evacuation of container 78 the large chamber and reservoir defined between lid adapter 79 and connector 82 will collect and prevent liquids and powders, drawn from the container, from entering tube 85.

After the container has been evacuated, connector 82 is removed and thumb nut 88 is turned-down to its “closed” position illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 to compress the flat underside of disc 91 against an O-ring seal 98, mounted on neck 89 to surround passage 93. When the connector is removed, the vacuum in the container will pull disc 91 against seal 98 to retain the vacuum until the thumbnut is turned-down. An annular bead 99 is formed beneath flange 95 of the thumbnut to engage the upper side of disc 91 to compress it against the seal. Diametrically extending and narrow slot 92 will not interfere with this closing function.

When the user chooses to release the vacuum in the container, thumbnut 88 is released to its FIGS. 16 and 17 position whereby flange 95 will engage beneath the hook ends of retention members 94 to raise disc 91 from seal 98. Air is thus permitted to ingress into the container via slot 92 and passage 93.

While a detailed and complex valve has been described with respect to FIGS. 10-17, a simpler valve may be used as valve 160 or 460 for example. Such a valve may also be used with hose 85 for example, to allow for evacuation of the chambers formed in jar 100 or tray 400 for example.

With respect to FIGS. 18-21, an embodiment of the present invention which provides simultaneous evacuation of the chamber and the inside of the container will now be described. FIG. 18 illustrates a container 200 having a sealed chamber 202 and a one-way valve 204. The one-way valve 204 vents the chamber 202 to the outside of the container 200. The one-way valve 204 is by some mechanism coupled to both the inside of the chamber 202 and the inside of the container 200 such that evacuating through the one-way valve 204 evacuates both the inside of the container 200 and the chamber 202.

FIG. 19 illustrates a container 200′ having a valve 204′. The valve 204′ travels through the chamber 202 into the inside of the container 200. The valve 204′ has intakes both within the chamber 202 and inside the container 200.

FIG. 20 illustrates a container 200″ having two valves 204′ and 206. The valve 204′ is one-way, having an intake within the chamber 202, and a vent outside the container 200. The valve 206 is one-way, having an intake inside the container 200 and a vent inside the chamber 202.

Both embodiments of FIGS. 19-20 enable simultaneous evacuation of the chamber and the container.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. In some instances, reference has been made to characteristics likely to be present in various or some embodiments, but these characteristics are also not necessarily limiting on the spirit and scope of the invention. In the illustrations and description, structures have been provided which may be formed or assembled in other ways within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similarly, methods have been illustrated and described as linear processes, but such methods may have operations reordered or implemented in parallel within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food; an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area; a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall; and a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the material of the inner wall and the material of the outer wall are the same.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the material of the inner wall and the material of the outer wall are different.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the apparatus is a cup.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface formed to fit atop the cup, the lid including a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the apparatus is a jar.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface formed to fit atop the jar, the lid including a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the apparatus is a tray.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a plastic bag, the bag sized to fit around the tray and a predetermined quantity of food collectively.
 10. A tray for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food; an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area; a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall; and a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.
 11. The tray of claim 10, wherein: the inner wall and the outer wall have generally rectangular bases with sides angled up from the bases.
 12. The tray of claim 10, wherein: the inner wall and the outer wall have generally round bases with sides angled up from the bases.
 13. The tray of claim 10, wherein: the inner wall and the outer wall have generally rectangular shapes.
 14. A jar for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food; an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area; a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall; and a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.
 15. The jar of claim 14, further comprising: a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface formed to fit atop the jar, the lid including a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.
 16. A method of storing food in a jar, comprising: placing the food in an inner chamber of the jar; and evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: sealing the jar with a lid; and evacuating the inner chamber of the jar.
 18. A method of storing food, comprising: placing the food in a tray; evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray; placing the tray in a plastic bag; and evacuating the plastic bag.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: sealing and freezing the plastic bag with the tray and food therein.
 20. A method of using food, comprising: placing the food in a tray; evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray; placing the tray in a plastic bag; and evacuating the plastic bag.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: sealing and freezing the plastic bag; unsealing the plastic bag; and reheating the food in the tray.
 22. A method of storing food, comprising: placing the food in a jar; evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar; sealing the jar with a lid; and evacuating the jar through a valve in the lid.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: freezing the jar.
 24. An apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: means for containing food; and means for insulating food within the means for containing.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: means for sealing the means for containing.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: means for evacuating the means for containing.
 27. A container for use in vacuum packaging, said container characterized in that said container has a wall with a sealed chamber, and a valve enabling evacuation of said sealed chamber and an inside of said container. 